Fanny Kaj

Fanny Kaj is a senior official within the M23 rebel group, which controls the Rubaya coltan mines in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She is newsworthy due to a recent mine collapse at the Rubaya mines on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The collapse, triggered by a landslide following heavy rains, resulted in the deaths of at least 200 people, including approximately 70 children, according to the DRC's Ministry of Mines. The M23 rebels, including Fanny Kaj's organization, dispute the official death toll. Her relevance stems from the M23's control of the mining site and their involvement in the aftermath of the disaster, including the discrepancy in reported casualties. The incident highlights the dangerous conditions in coltan mines and the role of rebel groups in the region's mining industry.